The colon and rectum are the final parts of the digestive system, which begins with the blind gut and ends at the anus. Their main function is water absorption. Sometimes, the entire colon is visible, while in other cases, only part of it can be seen.
Indications for surgery:
Complete or partial removal of the colon is a therapeutic option for various conditions, such as:
- Colon cancer
- Precancerous polyps (concern for the development of familial polyposis)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., colitis or Crohn's disease)
- Diverticulitis - inflammation of pouches that form in the colon
- Rectal bleeding
What to expect?
Before the surgery, the doctor may perform some of the following actions or all of them:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Colonoscopy and biopsy - visual examination and removal of tissue using a flexible tube with a camera at its tip
- Different imaging tests, such as CT and MRI.
How to prepare for the surgery?
You may need to discontinue certain medications, such as:
- Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs a week before the surgery
- Blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin or Plavix)
- Usually, you will receive bowel preparations - substances to cleanse the intestines.
- Follow a special diet if recommended by your doctor.
- Take a preoperative shower using antibacterial soap at night.
- Arrange transportation to and from the hospital, and consider arranging assistance at home after discharge.
- You should not eat or drink anything from midnight unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.
Anesthesia:
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Surgical Procedure:
During the surgery, the affected part of the colon is removed, and the remaining ends are sutured (connected). The removed section of the colon is sent for examination at the pathology institute. In certain cases, it might be necessary to create a colostomy or ileostomy - an alternate passage for waste elimination from the body. This procedure involves creating a small opening in the front part of the abdomen, called a "stoma," to which the colon is connected. The contents of the colon are collected in a bag.
Recovery:
After the surgery, you will receive instructions regarding your diet and activities, tailored to your condition. A dietitian from the department will accompany you during this period as needed. In the first days after the surgery, you will be on a gradual diet based on clear fluids, followed by a soft diet until returning to a "regular" diet. Special stockings will be used to prevent blood clot formation.
A physiotherapy team will guide and assist you in performing suitable breathing exercises. It is recommended to get out of bed several times a day, as walking speeds up the healing process and reduces the risk of complications, such as pneumonia.
Expected Length of Hospital Stay:
The average hospital stay after the surgery is about 4-7 days, with an average of six days.
Postoperative Care:
After discharge, you should promptly contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- High fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius or chills
- Redness, swelling, worsening pain, leakage, or any other discharge from the surgical area
- Nausea and/or uncontrollable vomiting lasting more than two days
- Pain that cannot be controlled with the provided medications
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Weakness or dizziness
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
- Bloody or dark-colored stool
- Diarrhea.